Capitol News

Rep. Elissa Slotkin, currently serving Michigan's 7th district in the U.S. Congress, has shared her perspectives on recent geopolitical events via social media. Her comments reflect on her past experiences and current international affairs.

In a post dated December 8, 2024, Rep. Slotkin discussed her involvement in negotiating rules of engagement for U.S. and Russian pilots to avoid collisions in crowded airspace. She noted the shift from that situation to Russia's current involvement in the Ukraine conflict, where "its ally is getting rolled by a rebel group." "Back then, I was negotiating rules of engagement for US and Russian pilots so they didn’t accidentally collide in the crowded airspace. Fast forward to now, when Russia is so bogged down in a Ukraine conflict it chose to start that its ally is getting rolled by a rebel group."

In another post from the same date, Slotkin commented on what she described as the "humiliation of Russia and Iran," recalling how Russia's intervention to support Assad in Syria surprised many due to it being their first military action outside their region since Afghanistan. "Quick note about the other story going on here: the humiliation of Russia and Iran. When Russia joined the fight to defend Assad in 2015, it took us by surprise because it was their first out-of-area military engagement since Afghanistan."

Additionally, Slotkin reflected on historical lessons regarding governance challenges following periods of exuberance. She cautioned about potential difficulties ahead due to some opposition elements' past connections with groups like Al Qaeda. "Because if we remember not-too-distant history, the exuberance of now will give way to the tough work of managing and governing. Easier said than done, especially because some elements of the opposition have been tied in the past to groups like Al Qaeda."